“That’s why auto insurance is so expensive in Las Vegas.”
A man recently noticed something peculiar about vehicles in Las Vegas: many of them don’t have license plates.
Now he’s wondering how they get away with it. His observation has started a conversation about why drivers in Las Vegas might not register their vehicles.
Zachary Williams (@zacharywilliams8) recently posted a TikTok about his observation. “No, seriously, can somebody explain to me why there are so many people in Las Vegas that drive with no license plates,” Williams begins.
Williams’ video shows two cars on the same stretch of road that don’t have license plates. But he believes the problem is far more widespread than two vehicles.
“This is every single day. Every single day. I see about 20 cars that are driving with no license or registration,” he says.
“I am no cop, I don’t care. I’m just wondering why they feel so safely doing so. I don’t get it,” he concludes.
As of this writing, his video has generated over 297,000 views.
Las Vegas has reportedly seen an increase in fake temporary license plates, expired registration, or simply no tags at all. KTNV Las Vegas reports that the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has been battling this issue for years and the pandemic only made it worse.
Williams isn’t the only Las Vegas resident wondering why there are so many unregistered vehicles there. In comments on his video, viewers offered theories about why drivers in Las Vegas might not register their vehicles. It all boils down to money.
“Because in Las Vegas the fine is cheaper than insurance,” one said.
“Car insurance is $650 a month,” another agreed.
The high costs of registration came up, too.
“Just paid $670 to register and I’m questioning why,” one said.
“Nevada has made it so expensive to own a car here, it’s ridiculous,” said a second.
“No one registers their cars. That’s why auto insurance is so expensive in Las Vegas,” someone else commented.
Registering a vehicle in the state can indeed be costly. The standard flat rate for all vehicles is $33 to register in Nevada. The DMV also adds a fee based on the original MSRP of the vehicle to determine the registration price.
“The first calculation from the DMV is based on 35% of the MSRP and is depreciated by 5% in the first year and 10% per year thereafter until it reaches a minimum of 15%,” per Sun Auto Service.
According to the state DMV, it would cost $558 to register a $30,000 vehicle in Clark County, where Las Vegas is located.
For those wondering about high prices, the Chief of the DMV’s Compliance Enforcement Division JD Decker provided KTNV with insight into why registration and insurance cost so much in the state.
“For all of us that are paying for registration and insurance, our rates go up because these people aren’t paying premiums and they aren’t getting in fewer accidents,” he reportedly said.
Motor1 has contacted Williams via TikTok direct message and commented on the post. We’ll update the story if he replies.
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